Job Discussion Forums

[wavelength]

I first received an email from Salient Federal Solutions stating they were interested in my application. To get it out of the way, I'm a double BA (English is one of them), 160 hour TEFL, 5 years in the classroom, 2 letters of recommendation.

I then received the following email. If this is real, I don't want to hear about the salary because it's more than I've ever made as an ESL teacher. There are so many crap schools trying to hook a teacher... I could really do with the opinion of anyone experienced in Saudi...

The last post for this company was in 2007 when they were just opening. I'm hoping someone with experience working with them after they opened can post their experience. Many thanks.
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We have been awarded a contract that has 28 positions teaching ESL to Royal Saudi Air Force cadets in Riyadh. I've included a copy of the job description below. We are looking for you to start ASAP.

For your qualifications, our salary range is $43-48k USD before tax benefits. I’ve attached a copy of the benefits package along with an overview of the compensation package as a whole.

Here is a link to the compound you would be living in if you choose this non-accompanied shared villa option:

http://www.bh-ltd.com/News/2013/11/30/46



For those choosing to live on their own or those needing accompaniment, we will provide an additional $1100/month housing/transportation allowance.



Here is a google earth link to the geographical location of the college:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Aviation+Australia+Riyadh+College+of+Excellence/@24.973649,46.731806,753m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x3e2ef13f6eb6561d:0xa01142224d851d93?hl=en



In order to move forward, here is what I will need from you:

1) An updated resume which you have tailored to the job description below. By no means should you overstate or exaggerate your qualifications – just make sure that whatever skills/experience that you do have which are listed in the job description are included in your resume. *This is critical as our program manager will be judging your qualification for this position by your resume*

2) An updated online profile. I will be sending an email shortly with a link and a couple easy steps on how to complete this.

3) A list of professional references. They are asking for two prior supervisors, but may be one supervisor and one peer. Reference letters are preferred

4) A copy of your transcripts or a copy of your diploma.

5) A copy of your TEFL/TESL certification such as CELTA or equivalent.

6) A copy of your passport

7) Your Skype user name and general availability for interviews.



Here is the job description:



Job Responsibilities and Description:



The Aviation Australia Riyadh College of Excellence (AARCOE) is part of the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and is focused on developing aviation professionals/technicians. The program is three years – 1 year of English followed by 2 years of technical training to become an aircraft mechanic – some for the Royal Saudi Air Force and some will go into the civilian aviation industry.



The AARCOE will utilize the Defense Language Institute English Language Center (DLIELC) American Language Course (ALC). From the DLIELC website: “The ALC materials are used to conduct both intensive and non-intensive English language training in foreign countries or at DLIELC. At DLIELC, small classrooms, equipped with the latest in training technology, are specifically designed to support student-centered instruction. In addition, the DLIELC curriculum meets the diverse needs of the adult military population with courses that address the specific language requirements of international military students' career fields.”



ESL Teacher:



Designs and delivers programs to train all levels of personnel. Develops tests and visual aids, conducts training classes, and develops criteria for evaluating effectiveness of training activities. Keeps abreast of training and development research: learning theory, motivation theory, and new materials, methods, and techniques. Develops in-house programs and practices to identify developmental needs, including preparing personnel for more responsible positions and increasing effectiveness in present assignments. May evaluate and/or oversee contractors or vendors to develop and/or administer training programs. Responsible for development of e-learning programs.



Mandatory Requirements:

1. (100%) of the teachers must be native speakers from one of the native countries (United Kingdom, United States of America, Australia, Canada, or South Africa)

2. Bachelor’s degree in English Language/Literature/TESOL/Linguistics or Education with a teaching certificate and 3 years of experience teaching ESL to vocational or post-secondary students full time or Any Bachelor’s degree and 5 years’ experience teaching ESL to vocational or post-secondary students full time.

3. Hold qualified instructor status in your home country or have recognized TEFL qualifications at CELTA level or equivalent TESOL certification (120 in class hours + 6 hr practicum minimum & from an accredited institution)



If you are interested in moving forward with this opportunity, please let me know ASAP! We can schedule a call to discuss in detail.


MOD edit

[wavelength]

The other thing I should mention is that I keep getting emails from Salient Federal Solutions with different names. First it was Jared, then Jared was also know as George, and lastly Alec has written me. Why it is that every job offer coming out of Saudi seems to be off in some way?

[nomad soul]

That letter is a request for more info and not an offer of employment. Anyway, did you see this recent thread "Salient Federal Solutions Aviation Australia Riyadh College?" (http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=108749).

[wavelength]

Yeah, I read it. It's from 2007. Thanks for the reply. I was hoping for more current information from ex-employees or currents.

[johnslat]

Dear wavelength

From 2007?

The OP's post is dated: Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2014 1:54 pm

Am I missing something? Where did 2007 come from?

Regards,
John

[wavelength]

My apologies. I little sleepy-eyed over here. I looked at the first post and didn't realize there were three pages.

As for the shared housing, it could work for a little while, but I'd need time away from co-workers in the end.


The letter does say:
"For those choosing to live on their own or those needing accompaniment, we will provide an additional $1100/month housing/transportation allowance."

So, that might work just fine.

Thanks for the replies all.

[Gulezar]

[Cattyforyou]

I've seen that same ad posted for quite some time. Do they have a high turnover or something?

[wavelength]

Most of the responses I get for ESL positions are unsolicited, and the few I do respond to seem dubious after they reply. Waiting to see what happens...

[plumpy nut]

[TOBY23]

i think they want you to teach 30 hours per week, 40 working hours.

[wavelength]

Thanks for the info on the cost of transportation. That's good to know.

As far as the teaching hours, that's always been a bone of contention with me: Unpaid "Teacher Duty" hours.

(I haven't heard back from them, and I'm not sweating it. I'm not really interested in working with Intelligence Services as their first email stated. A.K.A. Mosad in training.)

[KnockoutNed]

Any updates on this company?